The Indian Navy is preparing for the commissioning of its latest multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, in a ceremony scheduled to take place in Kaliningrad, Russia, on Monday, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh overseeing the event. This new vessel is a pivotal addition to India’s naval capabilities, representing the ongoing evolution of its maritime defense strategy.
INS Tushil is an upgraded frigate of the Krivak III class, designated under Project 1135.6. This class previously included six vessels already in operational service: three Talwar class ships constructed at Baltiysky Shipyard in St. Petersburg and three follow-on Teg class ships built at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad. The commissioning of INS Tushil marks the launch of the seventh ship in this esteemed lineage.
The frigate stands as the first of two upgraded follow-on ships ordered under a contract signed in 2016 among JSC Rosoboronexport, the Indian Navy, and the Government of India. It boasts a length of 125 meters and a displacement of 3,900 tonnes. Notably, the ship incorporates 26 percent indigenous content and features 33 systems developed in India, showcasing a significant step towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
INS Tushil is characterized by its advanced stealth capabilities and enhanced stability features, positioning it among the most technologically sophisticated frigates in operation globally. Upon its commissioning, the frigate will become part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, often referred to as the ‘Sword Arm,’ falling under the auspices of the Western Naval Command—a testament to its strategic importance.
The construction of INS Tushil involved rigorous oversight by a team of Indian specialists from the Warship Overseeing Team, stationed in Kaliningrad, ensuring that the vessel meets the high standards required by the Indian Navy. The ship has successfully completed an extensive suite of trials, including factory sea trials and state committee trials. These evaluations have validated the performance of all Russian equipment fitted aboard, including various weapon systems, and confirmed the ship’s ability to achieve speeds exceeding 30 knots.
With these successful trials behind it, INS Tushil is expected to arrive in India in a nearly combat-ready state, enhancing the naval capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces. The Defence Ministry highlighted that INS Tushil is not only a representation of the Indian Navy’s growing capabilities but also a symbol of the strong and resilient collaborative partnership between India and Russia in defense cooperation.
